Summer [excerpt]

   Increasing still the terrors of these storms, 
His jaws horrific arm'd with threefold fate, 
Here dwells the direful Shark. Lured by the scent 
Of steaming crowds, of rank disease, and death, 
Behold, he, rushing, cuts the briny flood, 
Swift as the Gale can bear the ship along; 
And, from the partners of that cruel trade, 
Which spoils unhappy Guinea of her sons, 
Demands his share of prey—demands themselves. 
The stormy Fates descend: one death involves 
Tyrants and slaves; when straight, their mangled limbs 
Crashing at once, he dyes the purple seas 
With gore, and riots in the vengeful meal. 
Credit

This poem is in the public domain.